The Quality of Life

The Enterprise visits Tyrus 7A to assess Dr Farallon's particle fountain, an experimental mining system. Her project depends on Exocomps, small robots that repair faults and solve problems. When one Exocomp refuses to enter a tunnel moments before it explodes, Data suspects it acted to save itself. Farallon dismisses the idea as a malfunction, but Data runs tests aboard the Enterprise and becomes convinced the Exocomps are alive. A crisis then strikes: the fountain fails, releasing deadly radiation, and Picard and Geordi are trapped on the station. The plan is to send the Exocomps in on a suicide mission, but Data refuses to allow it. Instead the Exocomps are given the choice. They find their own solution and save the two officers, though one gives up its existence. Farallon promises to treat them differently, and Picard tells Data his stand was deeply human.